Welcome to the Coconino Chronicle, keeping you informed on the latest news from Coconino County. Published monthly, typically on the first Friday, the Chronicle makes sure you are in-the-know about recent happenings, upcoming events and services available to you as a resident of the County.
Questions? Comments? Please email us at chronicle@coconino.az.gov.
On the surface, you wouldn’t think the post-Tunnel Fire recovery efforts and the KinderCamp™ program have much to do with each other. One is about cleaning up the debris so families can rebuild after a devastating fire; the other is about making sure children entering kindergarten are ready for their first day of school.
The common thread? Both require volunteer support, and we’re hoping you can spare a few hours in the coming days and weeks to help.
The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) this week announced it has awarded $30.1 million in federal 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to 16 affordable housing projects, including 7 in rural communities. The all-time record amount comes after a reengineered process of awarding tax credits and implementation of the new State Tax Credit program.
“This new process reduced the burdensome regulatory framework for allocating these highly-coveted tax credits and has led to increased developer interest in building affordable housing in Arizona,” said ADOH Director Tom Simplot. “The State Tax Credit program is fulfilling its goal to stimulate the construction of new affordable housing in our state.”
Cultural Demonstration Program resume in-person at Desert View
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cultural Demonstration Program resumes in person beginning this week! The Cultural Demonstration program provides an opportunity for visitors and community members to interact with Tribal artisans from Grand Canyon’s Traditionally Associated Tribes – and for them to share their history and crafts, along with the skills, knowledge, and efforts involved in creating each craft. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy and ArtPlace America.
This week, on Thursday and Friday, June 2 & 3, we welcome Zuni fetish carver, Jimmy Yawakia and Zuni inlay jeweler, Duran Gasper. They will be located at the Desert View Welcome Center under the large shade structure at the north end of the main parking lot from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day. In addition, park rangers are staffing an information desk at the same location, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information on the Cultural Demonstration Program, please visit the park’s website here.
Join us for ArtWalk this Friday, June 3rd! Come see us at our info booth in Heritage Square from 5-8 pm to pick up an ArtWalk Map – your guide to downtown during First Friday! Go digital and use the online map here.
What does Pride Month really mean?
Celebrating LGBTQIA+ didn’t always mean rainbows and parades. Prior to the 1969 Stonewall Riots, where this community took a stand and fought back against prolonged harassment and oppressive laws, there wasn’t much celebrating at all. Even now, despite June being declared Pride Month, people in this community suffer—2021 was the worst year on record for transgender deaths. So, Assistant Director for LGBTQIA+ Student Services M. Lee Griffin poses the question: How can we make pride a reality for the LGBTQIA+ community? Read more in this Views from NAU.
One of Northern Arizona’s premier arts events held in historic downtown Flagstaff. 6 p.m.; free.
The Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) supported a few youth events in May, Mental Health Awareness month.
Stronger As One
Stronger As One organized youth mental health awareness events for FUSD FACTS youth. During the events, youth rotated around interactive learning stations. Arizona Health Zone provided nutrition and movement activities. CCCYprovided mindfulness, yoga, and affirmation activities. Flagstaff Youth Resilience (FYR) also offered a pysical activity.
Nearly 100 children aged 6-11 explored tools and had discussions to support holistic mental and physical health!
CCCY- Youth Open Stage
This youth lead event was awesome! During the Youth Open-Stage event at Flagstaff Parks and Recreation’s Hal Jensen Recreation Center, eight youth shared their talent with an audience of 35 youth! Three youth sang, two rapped, two played guitar and sang, and another showed his DJ skills! Performances included cover songs as well as original material! Youth lyrics focused on the pandemic, the importance of having friends during tough times, and just having fun!
Wednesday, June 1, 2022
FREE TO THE PUBLIC
4–6pm at Sedona Arts Center
Music: Mother Road Trio
Food: Old Crow BBQ
Celebrate Sedona engages the local community while celebrating and featuring local and regional arts, food and drink! Held in the upper parking lot of Sedona Arts Center, Celebrate Sedona is a bi-monthly celebration of the beauty and diversity of our community’s music, food, drink, and artistry.
The event takes place from 4 pm – 6 pm on the first Wednesday of every other month featuring local musicians, food trucks, wineries, and live demonstrations by local artists
Theatrikos Reopens Concessions and Opening Night Receptions June 2022 Membership Concessions Reopen With relaxed covid safety protocols, we’ve reopened concessions and we’re back to doing opening night receptions. During the pandemic, we did some upgrades, too. We removed the old library…
Sup. Vasquez volunteering at the Tunnel Fire recovery events hosted by United Way of Northern Arizona. Thank you to all that have spent time and energy to give back to the community during this difficult time.
In this edition…
Message from Jeronimo
Tunnel Fire
Event Highlights
Service Positions Open in District 2
Services and Programs
And more!
In coordination with our partners at the State and Federal partners, Coconino County will elevate to Stage 2 restrictions on Thursday, May 26th at 8:00AM. For more information about the most current restrictions please visit the following link.
Have questions about the “dos and don’ts” during fire restrictions? Like…does the County’s Wildfire Defense Ordnance apply to private property? (Sneak peek-YES! It applies to all property in unincorporated areas, not including federal, state, or tribal lands.)Learn more at https://www.coconino.az.gov/Docum…/ View/51210/FAQs-2022-04
Northern Arizona transitions to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions this Thursday, May 26
Due to increased fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions beginning at 8 a.m. on Thursday, May 26. Under Stage 2 restrictions, building or maintaining an outdoor fire of any kind is prohibited as well as smoking.
Additionally, operating or using any internal combustion engine such as chainsaws, wood splitters, weed eaters, generators, welders, or any other devices that can cause a fire are prohibited. This prohibition does not include street legal vehicles. Exception for locals and contractors: Permits for work with these devices can be granted through the GRCA hot work permit process managed by GRCA Structure Fire. For more information and to submit a hot work permit, either see this attached flyer or fill out this online form.
More information on fire restrictions and fire danger ratings, please visit the park’s fire information page here.
As we remember those who gave their all for our freedom, we wish you a safe holiday weekend. Our offices will be closed on May 30th.
Dungeons & Dragons – $149
(Ages 14-18)
June 6-9, 2022 – 8am-12pm
Interesting in table-top games? Learn creative-writing, decision-making, and teamwork through a four-day Dungeons & Dragons campaign! Materials, snacks, and camper t-shirt included.
Learn more and register here
R&B band beloved for their energetic, joyous shows, dual lead singers, and thoughtful songwriting. 7 p.m.
Are you a scientist, researcher, expert in your STEAM field, or a representative at a scientific institution? You or your business could share your research, programs, or activities with the community in this year’s Festival!
The deadline to register to host an event with this year’s Festival is June 1!
Workshops, talks, trips, tours, videos, performances and more that highlight innovative STEAM projects are all welcome to participate in the 2022 Festival!
Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed May 30, 2022, in honor of Memorial Day. City Hall offices will reopen May 31 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Memorial Day include:
U.S. Department of Interior National Park Service Grand Canyon National Park P.O Box 129 Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 Contact: Office of Communications 928-638-7779 www.nps.gov/grca For high resolution photos visit Grand Canyon’s Flickr Site. Grand Canyon News Release For Immediate Release May 25,…
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has joined other organizations in Arizona in recognizing the month of May as National Mental Health Month, which raises awareness of the impacts of trauma on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families and communities.
Most recently, the Coalition took part in the Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week Northern Arizona Community Resource Fair on May 21 in the parking lot area of the Flagstaff City Hall.
A dozen information booths provided families with resources on youth mental heath issues.
The event was presented by Family Involvement Center, Health CHOICE Integrated Care, Arizona Complete Health and CARE1st.
Other participants included Child & Family Support Services, the Cancer Support Community — Arizona, Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers, Mercy Care, Coconino County Health & Human Services’ Tobbaco and Chronic Disease Prevention Program, Building Communities, Four Directions, Raising Special Kids and Native American Disability Law Center.
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The Coalition also took part in the Walk For Mental Health Celebration held on May 14 at Buffalo Park, Flagstaff. The event was sponsored by Stronger As One, Flagstaff Youth Riders (FLYRS), Coconino County Health & Human Services, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) and the AZ Health Zone.
Participants received free t-shirts or backpacks, with families enjoying the walk around Buffalo Park which included music provided by local artists.
The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 2 fire restrictions on Thursday, May 26.
The City of Flagstaff is currently in Stage 1.
The City of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state, and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions.
The City of Flagstaff (City) and the Coconino County Flood Control District (District), with significant financial support from the AZ Depart. of Forestry and Fire Management, have begun installing a siren alerting system to help warn residents of imminent flooding in neighborhoods downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar. Four elevated high power speaker arrays will be installed throughout the Grandview Homes and Sunnyside neighborhoods and will emit alarm sounds and voice messages when rain thresholds are triggered within the Museum Fire burn scar.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has recently received an
increase in the number of reports of gastrointestinal illness consistent with norovirus.
Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, body aches, and mild fever.
CCHHS is investigating the circumstances surrounding the illnesses and is encouraging individuals to take precautions to prevent infection.
Overland Expo WEST returns to Fort Tuthill County Park this weekend, May 20-22. Visit their website for event info, including tickets and where to park.
As a heads up, the park’s horse stables are closed from May 16-25. While the trails, disc golf course, and the bike park will be open during the event, parking will be severely limited. The entire parking lots next to the bike park and disc golf course are being utilized by the special event and we cannot guarantee any parking spaces at this time.
If you choose to visit the park this weekend, we suggest that people walk or ride their bike into the park to use the open facilities. You could also use this as an opportunity to explore new (to you) places in Northern Arizona this weekend.
Exhibition: May 21 – August 27, 2022
Opening Reception: Saturday, May 21
Members and Special Guests Preview: May 21, 5-6 pm
Keynote Lecture by David Levy: May 21, 6 pm
Public Reception: May 21, 6-8 pm
Closing Reception: August 27, 2022, 6-8 pm
NightVisions: Cultural Interpretations of the Night Sky is an international juried art exhibition at Coconino Center for the Arts that seeks to explore and celebrate our deep connections with the night. In its 8th iteration, we are excited to expand upon the exhibition concept in honor of the legacy of Flagstaff astronomer Carolyn S Shoemaker (June 24, 1929 – August 13, 2021) and her collaborations with husband and geologist Eugene Shoemaker (April 28, 1928 – July 18, 1997), with the inclusion of archival astronomical elements alongside the work of contemporary artists. We are honored to announce the co-curator, amateur astronomer and science writer, David Levy; and three renowned artist jurors Laura Camden, Joseph McShane, and Jerrel Singer who reviewed over 250 excellent and diverse works from artists internationally and chose 80 works for the exhibition. Jurors’ awards will be announced at the opening reception.
Desert View Groundbreaking Ceremony and Inter-tribal Working Group meeting
On Tuesday, May 17, we held a ceremony at Desert View to celebrate the near completion of the initial phases of work being done at Desert View to turn it into the park Inter-tribal cultural heritage site.
Members of the Inter-tribal Working Group, Grand Canyon Conservancy, park staff and other partners attended a short celebration of the accomplishments to date. James Uqualla from the Havasupai Tribe, offered a blessing for the work and the efforts for all who have been involved.
In addition to Superintendent Keable, Theresa McMullan from GCC offered words of support, along with individual Working Group members. The Working Group will continue its efforts to develop the exhibit plan for the Desert View Welcome Center and has begun work on the next strategic plan.
Last weekend, proponents of early education gathered to celebrate the first year of Elevate PreK, a pilot program that offers high-quality, full-day, year-round preschool experience at no cost to families.
The program is geared toward 4-year-olds living in households with income between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level who are not currently enrolled in preschool.
United Way of Northern Arizona is one of the program’s supporters and co-hosted the event.
In addition to offering an evidenced-based curriculum, the program also offers wrap-around services for families so that parents and caregivers get the support they need.
The celebration included a review of Elevate PreK’s progress in its first year conducted by Dr. Caroline Black, an assistant professor of early childhood education at Northern Arizona University. Her study showed that outcomes of the program included growth in students’ social skills, self-control, engagement and vocabulary in the first year.
Successfully guiding Diné youth toward health and public health professions begins with two important ideas––start students in a program in high school and cultivate in them a love and understanding of their own cultural, strength-based assets.
Researchers from Diné College and Northern Arizona University explored these findings and other lessons in their recently released publication, “Engaging Native American High School Students in Public Health Career Preparation Through the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program.”
The publication examines the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP), a one-week summer training program that exposes Native American high school students to public health careers and mentorship in Tsaile, Arizona.
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Tunnel Fire
Tunnel Fire Follow-Up
Stage One Fire Restrictions
Be Prepared for Wildfire
Community Wildfire Defense Program–A Proactive Vison
Museum Fire Flood Mitigation/Sediment Reduction Update
County Supervisors Association Elects Western Interstate Region
Representatives
Havasupai Visit
Flagstaff Shelter Services Housewarming
Community Events: Ms. Cleo’s Tea Party
Congratulations Graduates!
SMILE
Contact Us
What is it about the Colorado River that captivates people? Every photograph in the newest exhibition at the museum is a reminder of how strongly people respond to that river. For some, a trip down the Colorado River changed their life forever. Actress Katie Lee went on a river trip and then dedicated her life to singing and speaking for the river. When photographer Eliot Porter took his first river trip he was so overwhelmed he missed photos opportunities, but returned again and again to portray the incredible colors and intimate details of the canyon.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth joins other organizations in Arizona in recognizing the month of May as National Mental Health Month, which raises awareness of the impacts of trauma on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families and communities.
“As individuals and leaders in Arizona, we understand we must heal to move forward from the current trauma of COVID-19. We recognize that all individuals not only experience trauma from situations such as a pandemic but also because of ongoing social injustice practices.”
Second co-op in the region launches following the state’s most successful co-op Local city, county officials throw support behind project. Information meeting set for Tuesday, May 24.
FLAGSTAFF — The Cities of Flagstaff and Sedona, and Coconino County have partnered with nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to launch the second Northern Arizona Co-op. The co-op will help residents go solar.
This co-op follows the launch of the first Northern Arizona Co-op in 2021. That group reached 225 member households and is Solar United Neighbors’ most successful co-op in Arizona to date. The second Northern Arizona Co-op provides a new opportunity for residents to take advantage of the area’s plentiful sunshine.
“The City of Flagstaff is making great strides to uphold our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, but we know that we can’t do it alone,” said Flagstaff Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet. “The solar co-op represents the ‘what’s possible’ when we work together to create solutions, collectively.
The City of Flagstaff is hosting a volunteer cleanup day in areas downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar on Saturday, May 21. Volunteers will be assisting with clearing debris and litter from public infrastructure around Ponderosa Park and the Grandview Homes neighborhood.
Only one more day untilwe know if CCC’s Proposition 438 passed, and so we’re doing ONE LAST PUSH!
Donating to the campaign: It’s not too late to donate for the first time, or even the second time. We have to raise more to give it everything we’ve got in these last days. You can donate on our website www.yesforcoconino.com or send a check made out to Supporters for a Thriving CCC, and send to Supporters for a Thriving CCC, 1600 W University Ave, Suite 206, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.
Voting Yes: If you haven’t already sent in your early ballot, please dig it out of that pile that you made for later consideration, and take it to a ballot drop box, or take it to the polls on May 17. Or vote early at one of the Early Voting locations. Or go to the polls on May 17 and vote in person.
To learn the location of the Ballot Drop Box locations, Early Voting locations, Polling Place locations and other useful information here are some things you can click on:
Informational Pamphlet Early Voting Locations
Check the Status of your Early Ballot Ballot Drop Box Locations
Polling Place Locations Navajo Nation Ballot Drop Off Locations
Live Ballot Counting Video Stream
We greatly appreciate everything many of you have already done by donating, endorsing, phone banking, going door to door, tabling, advising us, or helping in other ways!
This is crucial for our county!
View this email in your browser May 16th, 2022 Connect with your community Featured Resource Celebrate Lifelong Learning Adult & All-Ages Events Youth Events Book Clubs To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown…
Plans are underway now for this year’s KinderCamp™ in northern Arizona, which will once again give preschoolers the foundational, social and academic skills needed to successfully transition into kindergarten.
Plus, there will be a little basketball included.
In honor of a $10,000 donation from the Phoenix Suns for this program, there will be a one-day basketball clinic for the Flagstaff preschoolers participating in the four-week program.
The CDC Community Level tracks a county’s ability to provide health care to COVID patients. We continue to register Low at the community level, and we have been at this level since early March.
The Coconino County Community Transmission looks at the number of COVID cases and positive tests. Coconino County is now High, which has increased from Substantial as of Thursday, May 5. COVID transmission in the county is continuing to rise and although we have relaxed mask mandates and other mitigation strategies in the park, we are reminded that the pandemic is not over.
As we continue to make decisions about park operations, we want to emphasize that we are considering the current transmission status and trajectory of cases nationwide. We want to acknowledge and recognize that there is a lot of information being shared by agencies, and some are conflicting. Our goal is to share pertinent information with you and also to use the best data to make decisions about park operations.
A Coconino County Flood Control District (District) project to reduce on-national forest sediment production and transport above and below Mt. Elden Estates is underway.
The U.S. Forest Service Museum Fire Sediment Reduction Project broke ground in late April and is expected to be completed this fall.
Funded by the U.S. Forest Service, the $3.5 million project includes grade stabilization and watershed restoration work to reduce sediment production and transport. Without a reduction in these very high levels of sediment, any expansion of the floodwater conveyances within the City of Flagstaff will not be effective at reducing the level of floodwater impacting homes.
NAU is welcoming back 900 alumni this weekend to get their long-awaited, long-delayed opportunity to put on their cap and gown and walk across the stage. The spring and fall classes of 2020 and the spring class of 2021, who had virtual commencement ceremonies during the pandemic, are returning to NAU this weekend for a special celebration.
Starting Saturday, May 28, the National Park Service (NPS) will offer shuttle bus service between the Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center and the gateway community of Tusayan, Arizona. The Tusayan Route will run at 20-minute intervals between 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. daily through September 9, 2022.
Summer can be very busy at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. During busy periods, visitors can expect up to two-hour wait times at the South Entrance Station between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and parking lots can reach capacity as early as 12 p.m. Riding the shuttle from Tusayan can help visitors avoid entrance station lines and parking frustrations and reduce vehicle congestion in the park.
The “Rec center open stage” will be held Wednesday, May 18 at the Hal Jensen Recreation Center, 2403 N. Izabel St., Flagstaff.
Speak or showcase your talents. Free entry. Cash Prize.
Click here to enter.
Presented by the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Building Communities and the City of Flagstaff PROSE (Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Events).
The City of Flagstaff and the Coconino County Flood Control District are helping residents in neighborhoods downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar prepare for the 2022 monsoon season by placing pallets of new sandbags and trash bins throughout neighborhoods, which residents can use to repair their sandbag walls. Materials will be available from May 13 through July 1, 2022.
The Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is looking for nominations for 2023 Teacher of the Year.
The award is a distinguished countywide event created to celebrate, honor, and recognize full-time teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.
To nominate a teacher and for other award categories, please submit a completed Coconino County Nomination Form.
NightVisions: Cultural Interpretations of the Night Sky is an international juried art exhibition at Coconino Center for the Arts that seeks to explore and celebrate our deep connections with the night. In its 8th iteration, we are excited to expand upon the exhibition concept in honor of the legacy of Flagstaff astronomer Carolyn S Shoemaker (June 24, 1929 – August 13, 2021) and her collaborations with husband and geologist Eugene Shoemaker (April 28, 1928 – July 18, 1997), with the inclusion of archival astronomical elements alongside the work of contemporary artists.
Welcome to the Coconino Chronicle, keeping you informed on the latest news from Coconino County.
We’ll be publishing each month, typically on the first Friday, to make sure you are in-the-know about recent happenings, upcoming events and services available to you as residents of Coconino County.
Questions? Comments? Please email us at chronicle@coconino.az.gov.
The Cinco de Mayo Celebration, dinner/dance will return at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at The American Legion, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.
Sponsored by The American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.
Dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with the dance from 7 to 11 p.m. with live music by Cumbre.
Tickets: $20 single / $30 couple. Dinner: $12 combo plate.
Tickets available at The American Legion.
Fire restrictions remain in Stage 1 for Grand Canyon
Fire restrictions for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, as well as the Town of Tusayan, will be in effect beginning today Thursday, May 5. Under these restrictions, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove fire, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site is prohibited on these lands. Additionally, smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Smoking is also prohibited in all federal buildings.
Grand Canyon National Park will remain in stage 1 fire restrictions, as we do year-round, which requires that campfires always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.
Almost 5,600 students are graduating this weekend, and four leaders, including an NAU alum and the National Teacher of the Year, will speak at the ceremonies and receive honorary doctorates.
‘Social Peak Collective’ Launches Pop-Ups
There’s no doubt that the greater Flagstaff area is rich in resources to help people with basic needs. Between government services and non-profits, there are scores of programs that can assist families with everything from food insecurity to health screenings to utility expenses
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will present Historical Trauma with Iya Affo Training & Discussion from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18.
Click here to register
We know from speaking to the community many have been impacted by injustice and inequity.
A step in our Self-Healing Communities work.
All Welcome!
Raffles & More
With funding support by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Department of Child Safety Prevention Councils.
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
Downtown Flagstaff. One of Northern Arizona’s premier arts events held in historic downtown Flagstaff. 6 p.m.; free.
Join us for ArtWalk this Friday, May 6th! Come see us at our info booth in Heritage Square from 5-8 pm to pick up an ArtWalk Map – your guide to downtown during First Friday! Go digital and use the online map here.
Welcome to the windy season! The HECHO team has been hard at work empowering Hispanic leaders to use their voice and platform to bring conservation results to legislative bodies across the Southwest and in Congress. We’ve been busier than ever, growing our team, managing a variety of critically important policy and advocacy projects, cultivating the Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council (HCLC), and staying on the top of the latest administrative changes that impact our states and communities.
